Monday, June 30, 2025

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES S'MORES + OREO REVIEW

Holiday weeks always call for sweet treats! It's been a hot minute since I've had a bundlet from NBC but in honor of the new limited-time S'mores flavor, we had to make a stop! I decided to go during their BOGO special last week so we're going double or nothing with S'mores AND Oreo. I haven't really followed much of the limited time flavors closely but they have had so many good ones this year! I definitely missed out on the Banana Pudding, Key Lime and Churro flavors- they always come and go before I have a chance to get one! 

S'mores desserts can be hit or miss for me but I'm happy to report this one was a hit! The cake itself has bits of marshmallow throughout, Hershey's chocolate chips, their signature icing, chocolate drizzle and graham cracker streusel. I love that they add a little extra pizazz on top to the limited flavors! The flavor of the cake was great- I loved this chocolate flavor. It wasn't too sweet which I think balances out the sweeter toppings. I also did taste a hint of marshmallow flavor and I like that they weren't too large or sticky. Collectively, I really enjoyed the flavor which was almost toffee-like. Very decadent and delicious if you're a chocolate cake fan!

The Oreo ended up being just as yummy!! I kept going back and forth on which I enjoyed more and while both were great, I think I might favor the Oreo just a tiny bit. I love anything cookies and cream and I think this flavor worked especially well with their signature frosting. Like the S'mores, I didn't find the cake on this one to be too sweet which I think is necessary for how sweet the frosting is. I loved the chunks of Oreos within the cake and would definitely reorder this one again. 

What's your favorite flavor? I need to try them all! 

Friday, June 27, 2025

ULTA SUMMER SALE PICKS


Vacation "VACATION" Perfume // Coco & Eve Tanning Foam // Pureology Smooth Perfection Shampoo, Pureology Smooth Perfection Conditioner // Derma-E Vitamin C Eye Patches // SACHEU Stainless Steel Gua Sha // Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara // Nest Balinese Coconut Body Mist // Coco & Eve Tanning Mitt

Ulta Beauty has a huge summer sale event kicking off this week on Sunday, June 29th through July 19th. Similar to their annual 21 Days of Beauty events, this sale features tons of beauty deals on makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrance + more at up to 50% off.

There are so many great categories + products being featured in the sale. I've picked my standouts + the items on my personal wishlist which are all linked in this post. I'm especially excited to see some self-tanners included- I've had my eye on several of the Coco & Eve products! It's also a great time to stock up on jumbo hair care products- lots of jumbo sizes are on sale for up to 40% off. I always love a good deal on mascara- there are so many different brands 40% off during the sale. Anything from Lancôme or Tarte is always a go-to! I've also still been on the hunt for some new summer fragrances and there are some great scent options for up to 40% off. I'm the most intrigued by the different Vacation scents... I can't decide which one I'd like best? Nest is also included and ya'll know how I feel about the Madagascar Vanilla- such a yummy scent! 

Are you planning to shop the sale?

PS-- don't forget to use Rakuten to earn that cash back! If you haven't signed up, it's totally free and if you sign up with my referral code, you can earn an additional $30 of cash back on your first purchase of $30 or more! 

I love sharing my picks + hauls with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

SUMMER STYLE RECAP

Now that we're officially in summer, here's a little blog recap with all of the most current summer style posts of the season here on TheKristenDiary.com! I always love sharing my picks when it comes to fashion for each season. So far I've found some great sandals, straw bags, scents + clothing pieces from Free People. I'll definitely be adding more posts throughout the summer as well which I'll update + add to this post. Feel free to check back here or you can keep a watch on all the new posts going up! 

1. FREE PEOPLE FINDS - Free People always screams summer to me. There's just something about their relaxed, boho style that's effortlessly summer. As always, they have so many fun + unique clothing pieces in stock. I always love their dresses in particular- they are feminine, eye-catching and perfect for the warmer months!

Read here: Free People Finds

2. STRAW BAGS I LOVE - Nothing compliments a summer/beach outfit like a cute straw bag. Raffia is timeless and comes in so many styles. From small clutches to totes- this is a must for every wardrobe. I also love when these bags have a bit of embellishment like pearls or seashells! 

Read here: Straw Bags I Love

3. SUMMER SANDALS - I live laugh love in sandals whenever the weather is nice. I always like a mix of everyday flip-flops, some nicer sandals and a few dressier, heeled options. I've found so many great ones this season! 

Read here: Summer Sandals

4. SUMMER SCENTS - While technically not clothing, a summer scent most definitely ties an outfit together. I'm a little basic in that I love a coconut, tropical vibe for the warmer months. It just always works and never feels like too much when it's hot out. I have all of these on my list right now- I definitely need to add in a few new ones to my collection. 


Read here: Summer Scents

What pieces are you shopping for this summer- shorts, tanks, etc.? LMK!

I love sharing my picks + hauls with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

Monday, June 23, 2025

OLD NAVY ACTIVEWEAR



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I love sharing my picks + hauls with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

Friday, June 20, 2025

WHAT'S IN MY TARGET CART | 6.20.25


Whenever Target has one of their "Buy $30, get a $5 gift card" deals going on in a category that I like to shop or need something from, I always try to take advantage. Usually it's some variation of $$$ off or to earn a bonus Target gift card- both are a-ok in my book. We love a little extra incentive to spend and "save" money, no? This week's offer is for personal care items which was great timing for me- I've been needing to restock on essentials so why not share my cart with you?? These are those typical boring everyday items we all use but I've always found a little excitement in the mundane, ya know? Sometimes we'll even get a lil' crazy by trying out a new shaving gel scent or Dr. Teal's bath salt, lollllzzz. You think I'm joking but I'm actually the most excited to get this Skintimate Coconut Delight. I smelled it in the grocery store a few weeks ago and it's pretty much all I've thought about since. Be prepared for a new beachy, summer goddess in town- she's coming. 

Also on the note of summer and sweating- this Secret deodorant is the OG. As much as I hate to admit it, nothing can hang like our long-time, aluminum-filled toxic deodorant friends when it comes to summer. I'll hold out hope that one day we'll get the best of both worlds with a clean ingredient alternative but until then, I'll take toxic for 200 over B.O. every day of the week. 

At this point I'm just rambling with late night delulu zoomies so I'm cutting myself off! Happy shopping and weekend to ya! - xx. 

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I love sharing my picks + hauls with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

WHAT I WANT | JUNE

Hair + Body Mist // The Last Party by A.R. Torre // Loopy Phone Case // Tinted Mineral Sunscreen // Leather Makeup Case // Lash + Brow Serum // Leather Flip-flops // Hand Sanitizer 

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**SHOP THIS POST + ALL OF MY WANTS HERE**

I love sharing my picks + hauls with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

Monday, June 16, 2025

TOP 5 MOST POPULAR BLOG POSTS | 6.16.25

Hello, hello! I almost completely skipped on posting today's June round-up because I didn't even register that we're already halfway through the month. June has definitely sped right on by which is unusual- I feel like normally the summer months tend to creep by. Now that we have longer days, it always feels like there's more time to get things done which might have something to do with it. I also love that it's daylight out until around 9pm here, however I won't really be sad to see summer go. Ya'll know I'm a fall gal through and through so I'm counting down the days to cooler weather and Spooktober! For today's post, we have the top 5 most popular blog posts of the month which has a little bit of beauty and a little bit of health/lifestyle. Here's the line-up: 

1. SALT & STONE DEODORANT REVIEW + RESTOCK HAUL - For all of my ingredient-conscious, natural-deodorant-loving peeps- this post is for you. I've taken a pause on my hunt for the best natural, aluminum-free deodorant so as of now, the winner stands with Salt & Stone. Their formula and scents have worked the best for me + my body. I will say I prefer these during the cooler months and for when I'm not working out or as active. When it comes to the gym and the hot summer months, I stick to my favorite clinical strength deodorant


2. REVIEWING YASSO GREEK YOGURT BARS - Something I do love during the hot summer months are the Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars. These are so delicious and a better alternative to ice cream if you're watching what you eat. Most are 100-150 calories each and they have a higher protein content from the greek yogurt. 

Read here: Reviewing Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars 

3. OURA RING UNBOXING - We're approaching the three year mark since I first purchased my Oura Ring. This blog post was my initial unboxing and ever since, I've pretty much been wearing the ring 24/7. I love it to track my sleep, menstrual cycle + more. It's a great tool to analyze what's going on inside the body and I like being able to compare data and trends over time. If you've debated on buying one, hopefully this unboxing post will give you some helpful info! 


Read here: Oura Ring Unboxing 

4. TOP 5 MOST POPULAR BLOG POSTS | 5.14.25 - I find it funny that some of my more recent "Top 5 Most Popular Blog Posts" posts have also started making it into the Top 5 Posts, lol... it's a little trippy but I'm glad to know they are popular on the blog. I always find it fun to share because there's usually a good blend of old + new posts. You can check out the most popular blog posts from May here

Read here: Top 5 Most Popular Blog Posts | 5.14.25

5. NEW AT SEPHORA - Probably *MY* fave post of today's round-up is this New at Sephora post. I've definitely been feeling more shoppy lately and I'm always keeping an eye on new beauty releases. There are soooo many good things out right now too. Be sure to check this post if you love beauty too! I definitely have my eye on the new PHLUR Beach fragrance and this new NARS palette-- she's a stunner! So many fun, summery products. 

Read here: New at Sephora

What new content do you want to see for summer?

I love sharing my picks + hauls with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)